Huntsman is a good man. Every so often the alternate universe, conservatives, in this state slip up, and let a compassionate, caring, reasonable, individual slide through into office.

thanks for pointing that mistake out to us Larry. We will attempt to make sure this does not happen again soon.

You will now get more time for beating a dog than beating your wife and kids.
Really nice priorities Utah.

Nice that Huntsman and the article only point out that animal rights activists fought for the law. They're not the only group that helped this law get passed.

Being liberal or conservative has NOTHING to do with raising awareness to prevent abuse. ABUSE is not acceptable in humans OR animals.

I am pleased that Utah is headed in the right direction as far as animal cruelty and torture laws. A lot more needs to be done and it should include all animals in these protective laws, not just dogs and cats. Hopefully we are one step closer to that with the signing of this law.

Those that think this gives animals more rights and protection than humans are unable to see the very obvious correlation between animal abuse and human abuse. Animal abusers overwhelmingly also abuse humans or will go on to do so. The abuser disregards and lacks empathy for another's feelings- whether that be an animal or human. So you see, laws that protect animals do indeed protect humans, both directly and indirectly.

I am thankful that my legislators finally listened and finally made the commitment to sign a law into place that is long, long overdue.

No Catherine we don't see the correlation. People who abuse humans first then go and abuse animals. All we have to do is protect the humans, and no animals will get hurt. That's how ridiculous your logic is. Why don't you just say it the way you believe it and quit hiding how you really feel. Animals are more important to you than humans, aren't they?

Mahrshalalhashbaz,

Yes, actually. Animals are more important to me than humans like you.

And I'm not so naive to think that one law will cure all that ails society. This law is a step in the right direction for animals AND humans- a point I made very clearly.

My logic is not ridiculous, and my logic is backed by numerous studies and numerous experts that indeed show a correlation between animal abuse and human abuse. Many serial killers, many serial rapists, many domestic violence cases show that the perpetrator first started abusing and torturing animals before they moved on to humans. As children or youth, many inflicted pain on those that were helpless and under their control- the easiest target being cats, dogs, hamsters, etc. in their households or neighborhoods. They got a thrill from killing and torturing. After a while, animals weren't that exciting and they moved on to humans.

Many domestic violence victims will tell you that they are/were controlled by someone threatening to harm their animals or indeed hurting or killing their animals just to keep them "in line."

The facts, studies, and actual human beings speak truth to my logic.

So if my dog bites the neighbors cat (who's not confined to it's own yard) then my dog has committed a felony?

Like so many other laws, this one is well-intentioned, but unwise. Most people enjoy dogs and cats, so it’s an emotional issue that tugs at the heartstrings, but, still, this law is out-of-proportion with much of the rest of our laws. Rather than solving a narrow problem, the main result of this law will likely be a steppingstone and a convenient tool handed to the animal rights activists to further push their agenda.